Case for Appliances

ABSTRACT

A case having a base module, the base module being physically and fluidically connected and joined by means of an appliance module, an extension module and a closing module. The base module, the appliance module and the extension module are at least partially pneumatic and dimensionally stable in a pressurized state.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The instant invention pertains to an at least partially pneumatic case.

2. History of Related Art

Cases or carrier bags with pneumatic components or even completely pneumatic embodiments are known. In most cases, the object is a space-saving stowage of the cases or carrier bags, when they are not in use. In some embodiments, the air cushion is used to protect the content of the case.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,044,867 (D1) is the closest state of the art. D1 discloses an approximately rectangular, dimensionally stable case. The side walls, the bottom, and the lid consist of chambers and channels, which can be filled with air. The case can be inflated by means of an integrated pump. If the case is aerated, it is collapsible and can be stowed in a space-saving manner. The disadvantage of this pneumatic embodiment of this case is that it only has a single storage compartment and that its use is not more variable than a standard non-pneumatic case.

It is the object of the invention to create a pneumatic case, which can be variably adapted to certain purposes, the components of which are always readily available and ready for operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With reference to its essential features, the solution of the object is reflected in claim 1 and is reflected in the subclaims with reference to its further advantageous features.

The pneumatic case according to the invention consists of various modules. The basis is a base module. This base module consists of an at least partially pressurized pneumatic frame and at least one partition or sidewall integrated therein, whereby one or a plurality of storage compartments can be formed. This partition or side wall can be rigid or pneumatic, like the frame. A carrying handle or a carrying strap is also applied thereon. The at least one remaining side wall can consist of a closing module. The closing module can be formed pneumatically or rigidly. Instead of one or a plurality of closing modules, extension modules or appliance modules can also be applied to the base module. The extension module essentially consists of a frame, similar to that of the base module. As in the base module, a partition or side wall can be integrated in the extension module. A case with a greater or a wider storage compartment can be formed by laterally applying an extension module at a base module. The extension module, in turn, can be connected with a closing module. The appliance module is a specific extension module. It is designed specifically for the transport of one or a plurality of appliances. It has at least one storage compartment, which is matched to a specific appliance. To protect the appliances, the walls of the appliance module can be designed to be wider than the walls of the other modules. In inflated or pressurized state, all of the modules are essentially dimensionally stable. The different modules can be affixed to one another by means of water-tight zippers, for example. Modules, which are not being used, can be aerated and stowed in the case itself. Due to the fact that the aerated modules do not require much space and do not weigh much, they can always be carried along and can be inflated, if required. The case or the base module can have a specific compartment for this purpose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the case of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section through a base module with a partition and two closing modules;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section through a base module with a partition, an extension module, an appliance module, and a closing module;

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometry of a pneumatic case according to the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section through an appliance module;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section through a further appliance module; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view onto a pneumatic closing module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A respective closing module 4 is applied to both sides of the base module 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. Approximately in the center, it has a partition 5, which sub-divides the interior of the base module 1 into two storage compartments 9 and which extends from the upper side to the lower side of a frame 15. Here in FIG. 1, the lower side of the base module 1 or of the frame 15 is constructed differently than the upper side. The lower side of the frame 15 consists of a so-called web structure. A top layer 13 and a bottom layer 12 are thereby connected by means of cross-members 10, for example by means of welding. The width of the cross-members can also determine the thickness of the lower side of the frame 15. Preferably, the bottom layer consists of an abrasion-resistant material or is coated with such a material. The upper side of the frame 15 consists of a plurality of adjacently arranged tubes 11, which are enclosed by a casing 14. The pressurized shape can be predefined by connecting the tubes 11 with one another and with the casing 14. However, it is sufficient to connect the tubes 11 with one another; the casing 14 is not mandatory. Here, the partition 5 forms two storage compartments 9 of about the same size. It goes without saying that the partition 5 can also be displaced against the one or the other closing module or it can even replace such a closing module. The partition can consist of a rigid plate or by pneumatic structures, such as the upper side or the lower side of the frame 15. In FIG. 1, pneumatic fillers 6 are provided on one side of the partition. Preferably, the fillers 6 consist of an elastic, gas-tight material. When empty, the fillers fit closely against the partition 5. If the fillers are pressurized, pouches, with which empty space in a storage compartment can be filled, are formed between joints. An appliance 20, such as a portable computer, for example, can be clamped and fixed in a storage compartment 9 between a closing module 4 and the pneumatic fillers 6. It goes without saying that the closing modules 4 or the modules 1, 2, 3 can also be equipped with pneumatic fillers 6, so as to fix and hold the goods, which are to be transported. For example, the closing modules 4 can be enclosed with zippers and can be affixed therewith to the base module 1. If the zippers are opened on one side, a compartment 9 can be accessed; if the zippers are opened on two or three sides, a closing module can be folded outward either completely or partially. Like the partition, the closing modules can be embodied pneumatically or rigidly. The storage compartment 9′, which is illustrated as an empty storage compartment in FIG. 1, can be used for unused and emptied appliance modules, closing modules or extension modules 2, 3, 4, for example. In this case, however, it may be advisable to design this storage compartment to be smaller, which means not to apply the partition 5 in the center and not to equip the closing module 4 with fillers.

FIG. 2 shows a case according to the invention, which, in addition to the base module 1, is equipped with an appliance module 2 and an extension module 3. The extension module is connected by a closing module 4. In the partition 5, an unused closing module 4′ is readily available in the compartment 9′. The appliance and the extension module 2, 3, in turn, can be applied to the base module 1, with zippers, for example. In the alternative, snap fasteners or Velcro© fasteners can also be used. A combination of different types of application is also in accordance with the invention. The extension module consists essentially of at an at least partially pressurized frame 15′. This frame 15′ is composed of the same components as the frame 15 of the base module. However, the frame 15′ can have dimensions or components which differ from those of the frame 15 or which are arranged differently from those of the frame 15. At least at its upper and lower side, the frame 15′ illustrated in FIG. 2 consists of tubes 11, which are enclosed by a casing 14. The extension module can also be equipped with one or a plurality of partitions 5′ so that compartments 9′, which are separated from one another, can be formed, for example. The appliance module is designed in such a manner that it can not only be affixed on the base module, but so that it can also be inserted into it. The ability to insert is not necessary, but it increases the transport safety for sensitive appliances. The illustrated appliance module 2 has an appliance compartment 19 in the form of a recess, into which an appliance 20, for example a portable computer, can be inserted. At the edge of the appliance compartment 19, additionally inflatable chambers 21 can be arranged, which expand in response to being pressurized and which enclose the inserted appliance 20. The appliance module 2 receives the external shape from the internal structure. This internal structure is not illustrated in FIG. 2, however it consists of the same components as the frames 15, 15′. On the one hand, the internal structure can consist of tubes 11. On the other hand, it can consist of cross-members 10.

It goes without saying that appliance modules, extension modules, and closing modules 2, 3, 4 of different designs and quantities can be applied to a certain base module 1. The appliance modules, extension modules, and closing modules 2, 3, 4 can also be connected with one another and exchanged among one another. The configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 are not only a selection of possible combinations of modules 1, 2, 3, 4. For example, a base module 1 can also be combined with two appliance modules 2 or even with two extension modules 3 and one appliance module 2. The number of the inserted partitions 5, 5′ and closing modules 4 can vary.

FIG. 3 is an isometric illustration of a case according to the invention. Here, the frame 15 of the base module 1 is pressurized only in the lower part. The upper part of the frame 15 consists of one or a plurality of layers of foil or substance.

Instead of the carrying handle 7, a carrying strap 8 is applied to the frame 15 here. Here, the partition 5 is designed so as to be capable of being inflatable. It can be composed of tubes 11, which extend horizontally and vertically and which are connected with one another. Here, the appliance module consists of a bottom, which is not visible, and of a frame 15′, which consists of tubes 11. An appliance 20 is inserted therein. The extension module also consists of a bottom and a frame 15′. The tubes 11 of the frame 15′ branch and sub-divide the storage compartment 9 formed by the bottom and the frame 15′ into four sub-compartments 27. The sub-compartments 27 can be closed by means of a lid 26. Separate sub-dividers 25 can also sub-divide the storage compartment 9 into sub-compartments 27. A sub-divider 25 can be composed like a wall of a frame 15, 15′ and can have Velcro© fasteners, for example. If the internal of a frame 15, 15′ is also equipped with Velcro© fasteners, a sub-divider can be applied so as to be capable of being detached. A sub-divider can thereby also be bent so that a sub-compartment 27 can be formed in a corner of a storage compartment 9, for example. FIG. 4 shows an alternative of the appliance module 20 in a section from the side. The appliance module has the shape of a cone. It can be detached from the base module and can be placed on a table together with a portable computer, for example. Due to the conical shape, an incline is possible, as is common with computer keyboards for office use. At the same time, the appliance module also fulfills an ergonomic purpose. So as to prevent an overheating of the portable computer, it is advisable to provide openings for the aeration of the computer, at least in the area of the back side of the computer.

A second alternative for the use of the conical appliance module is illustrated in FIG. 5. Together with the appliance compartment 19, it is placed down onto a support and the portable computer is placed on the outside. The computer can now be moved and adjusted on the appliance module, depending on the individual ideas of a user. In FIG. 5, additional compartments 19′ are here arranged in the appliance compartment 19. They serve rechargeable batteries and cable as well as additional computer accessories, for example. It goes without saying that the appliance compartments 19, 19′ can be arbitrarily arranged. They can be arranged so that there is space for a camera, films, and lenses in specific compartments 19, 19′, for example.

FIG. 6 shows a top view onto a pneumatic closing module 4. Its preferably flat shape is formed in that, for example, its top layer 13 and the bottom layer 12, which is not visible, are connected with one another by means of cross-members 10, whereby the closing module 4 receives a ribbed surface structure. A zipper 23 runs on its entire circumference with two carriages 24, for example. A pocket 22 is here additionally applied on the top layer. A pneumatic partition 5 can be composed in the same or in a similar manner. In the alternative, the flat structure of the closing module 4 can also be formed with adjacently located tubes. This embodiment also leads to a ribbed surface structure. However, a casing 14 can also be applied around both embodiments, whereby a smooth surface structure can be achieved. This pneumatic closing module can also be used as a chair cushion, for example.

The pneumatic, inflatable components of the modules 1, 2, 3, 4 can consist of a transparent or colored PU foil, for example. The use of fluorescent, color-changing or reflecting materials is also possible. Transparent or partially transparent cases can thus be joined. Furthermore, it is possible to illuminate the pneumatic structures from the inside. Images or patterns applied on the external layer can be backlit in an optically effective manner. Solar cells for charging rechargeable batteries used for lighting can also be integrated into the pneumatic structures.

The individual pneumatic components of the modules 1, 2, 3, 4 can be connected with one another by means of lines and valves. The lines and valves can also be designed in such a manner that the pneumatic components are automatically connected with one another by joining the modules 1, 2, 3, 4. For example, all of the components can be connected to a single chamber and can thus be inflated all at once. Likewise, it is in accordance with the invention to separately inflate the individual modules 1, 2, 3, 4. Ball pumps, for example, are suitable. They can be integrated into the carrying strap or handle or into one module or all of the modules. It is also included in the basic idea of the invention to design one of the modules itself as a pump. At least in subareas, such a module is composed in such a manner that, after being pressed together, these areas can again assume their original shape without any help and can thus again draw in air for the next pumping cycle. 

1. A case comprising: a base module, the base module being physically and fluidically connected and joined by means of an appliance module, an extension module and a closing module; and wherein the base module, the appliance module and the extension module are at least partially pneumatic and dimensionally stable in a pressurized state.
 2. The case according to claim 1, wherein the case consists of at least one base module and at least one closing module.
 3. The case according to claim 1, wherein the case is equipped with at least one appliance module.
 4. The case according to claim 1, wherein the case is equipped with at least one extension module.
 5. The case according to claim 1, wherein the base module, the appliance module and the extension module have an at least partially pneumatic frame.
 6. The case according to claim 5, wherein the pneumatic frame, at least on a bottom, consists of an abrasion-resistant material.
 7. The case according to claim 5, wherein the pneumatic frame partially consists of a transparent or colored PU foil.
 8. The case according to claim 1, wherein unused modules and partitions can be stowed in the case in a space-saving manner and can be carried along.
 9. The case according to claim 8, wherein the partitions and the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module can be equipped with pneumatic fillers.
 10. The case according to claim 8, wherein the partitions are formed in the base module, the appliance module, and the extension module or in that the closing modules themselves consist of rigid plates.
 11. The case according to claim 1, wherein the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module have connection means so as to be affixed on another module and so as to be removed therefrom again.
 12. The case according to claim 1, wherein the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module are fluidically connected with one another.
 13. The case according to claim 12, wherein the fluidic connection is automatically closed in response to a joining of the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module.
 14. The case according to claim 13, wherein the at least one module has a pump.
 15. The case according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module can be translucent.
 16. The case according to claim 15, wherein the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module can be illuminated from inside.
 17. The case according to claim 1, wherein the base module, the appliance module, the extension module, and the closing module are equipped with solar cells. 